Post Pandemic Impact on Mental Well-being and Behavioural Adjustment between Undergraduate and Post-graduate Students in Context of their Socio-Economic Status

Post Pandemic Impact on Mental Well-being and Behavioural Adjustment between Undergraduate and Post-graduate Students in Context of their Socio-Economic Status Kusum Kumari* Dr. Krishnanand** The present study was carried out on postgraduate (N=160) and undergraduate (N=160) students with the objectives to compare them in terms the post pandemic impact on their mental well-being and behavioural adjustment in context of their socio-economic status. It was hypothesized that undergraduate students of high and low SES groups as well as postgraduate students of high and low SES groups will differ significant in terms of post pandemic impact on both mental well-being and behavioural adjustment respectively. Mental well-being by Warwick-Edinburg and Bell Adjustment Inventory by Mohsin and Shamshad were used to measure the variables. Besides these, a PDS was used to seek the background information about the respondents. The obtained data were treated using t-value. The results supported the hypotheses. It was found that high SES group of respondents belonging to both undergraduate and postgraduate classes showed their dominance in terms of post pandemic impact on their mental well-being and behavioural adjustment. Thus, it was concluded that high SES group and post-graduate education both are conducive to favourable post pandemic impact on having sound mental well-being and sound behavioural adjustment. Introduction : The COVID-19 pandemic was not only a global health crisis but also a profound psychosocial event that reshaped education, family life, and social relations across the world. Prolonged lockdowns, campus closures, the sudden shift to online learning, health fears, bereavement, financial strain, and social isolation collectively created an environment of chronic stress for students. Even in the post-pandemic period—after reopening of institutions and normalization of physical classes—its psychological after-effects continue to influence the mental well-being and behavioral adjustment of undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly when viewed through the lens of socio-economic status (SES). Mental well-being refers to a state of positive psychological functioning that includes emotional balance, resilience, self-acceptance, sense of purpose, and satisfying relationships. It goes beyond the mere absence of mental illness and emphasizes flourishing, life satisfaction, and the ability to cope with adversity. In the post-pandemic context, mental well-being among students is shaped by how effectively they have processed pandemic-related stressors such as academic disruptions, uncertainty about the future, loss experiences, and ongoing health or financial worries. * Research Scholar, Department of Psychology, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya **Department of Psychology, S.S. College, Jehanabad, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya